After 40 and a half years working at the Boothbay Harbor Hannaford, working her way up to manager of customer service, Beth Hardwick of Boothbay “officially retired” on Thursday, May 15.

Her retirement celebration included a cake, balloons, cards, gifts and well wishes from store employees during the day. She was also given an “Officially Retired” blue and gold sash and a purple “Retired” crown.

Hardwick said she began at the old Sampson’s grocery store at the location (followed by Shop ‘n Save, then renamed Hannaford) and worked a couple of years at the Waldoboro Hannaford. She and current employee Chuck Cunningham started with the company the same year, she said.